PA residents can now celebrate with 'better' fireworks

Pennsylvania changed its laws to make it possible for residents to purchase anything at Keystone Fireworks, Greencastle, and other stores in the state. Previously, only out-of-state customers could purchase the "good stuff."
Markell DeLoatch, Public Opinion

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Lisa Stoner, manager at Keystone Fireworks, shows off the store's popular products. A new fireworks law in Pennsylvania makes it possible for customers to buy any product in the store - with proper identification.(Photo11: Markell DeLoatch, Public Opinion)Buy Photo

Pennsylvania residents can finally celebrate the Fourth of July this year with a bang.

House Bill 542, which passed last October, gives residents the freedom to purchase more-popular fireworks, instead of just the sparklers and novelties they've been restricted to in past years. The new law now allows them to buy a full line of products that comply with federal requirement for consumers, including Roman candles and other aerial fireworks.

However, those who want to celebrate the upcoming holiday this year with some bottle rockets will also have to pay a bit more. All fireworks will be subject to a 12 percent tax to help address budget gaps, with the money from these purchases going toward a fund for first-responders.

There are also still some conditions and regulations residents must follow. Display-grade fireworks can be operated only by those with a permit, and certain devices - such as M-80s, M-100s, cherry bombs or quarter-and-half sticks - still remain illegal under federal law.

In addition, anyone buying fireworks must be 18 years or older, and only "sober and responsible" people can operate the devices, Heckman said. Other restrictions include getting permission from property owners, and not setting them off inside buildings or vehicles, or within 150 feet of an occupied structure.

A violation of any of these rules could garner a $100 fine, according to Heckman.

Local laws and ordinances also still need to be followed if they are stricter than what the state has outlined.

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A new fireworks law in Pennsylvania makes it possible for customers to buy any product in the store - with proper identification.(Photo11: Markell DeLoatch, Public Opinion)

Lt. Rick Morrissette with Chambersburg Police said some of the borough's ordinances, like its noise ordinance, could come into play. He added there are not many locations within the borough where legal fireworks can be used.

Bill Weimer, vice president of Phantom Fireworks which has stores in Pennsylvania, said the change has pluses and minuses.

It's good anytime fireworks are legalized, he said, but this bill wasn't given a legislative hearing. He added the legislators seem to be more focused on the tax revenue.

Weimer also mentioned the limited fire code that is currently governing venues that sell fireworks.

"There is a lot missing in this law," he said. "We'd like to see the law tightened, we'd like to see some more regulation involved with it."

Even so, Weimer predicts the change will lead to increased sales for fireworks companies across Pennsylvania. Phantom could also potentially see a 20-25 percent sales increase, now that it can expand beyond only selling to state residents with permits from their local municipalities, according to the vice president.

To prepare for the upcoming holiday, Weimer said the company is beefing up its staff and product supply.

Although the law only grants residents the ability to purchase consumer-grade fireworks, Weimer still recommends operators follow some "common sense" safety tips.

Just like having a designated driver, Weimer recommends there be a designated shooter.

"Alcohol and fireworks don't mix," he said.

Children and fireworks are also not a good combination, Weimer added. He said adults should avoid giving children sparklers, because they burn at more than 1,000-degree temperatures. Adults should stick these devices into the dirt or a flower pot, and then let kids watch them from a safe distance.

Keeping water on hand is another of Weimer's suggestions, along with making sure there is a safe distance between where the fireworks are being launched and those watching them.

"No fireworks experience is good unless it's a safe fireworks experience," he said.

Humans aren't the only ones to look out for this July Fourth. Those with pets should be cautious of fireworks around animals, as well.

Although some pets might not be sensitive, others can be very scared of them, according to Jennifer Vanderau, director of communications for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter.

Some pets might be afraid of the lights or odors, she said, while the sudden, loud noise that comes out of nowhere can make others anxious - especially because they have very sensitive hearing.

"It creates a startle response, which produces adrenaline, an increased heart rate and stress hormones in an animal," Vanderau said. "We all know how we sometimes jump when we hear a loud noise we weren’t expecting - that’s what fireworks can be like for a pet."

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Keystone Fireworks, Greencastle, is the leading fireworks retailer in the area. A new fireworks law in Pennsylvania makes it possible for customers to buy any product in the store - with proper identification.(Photo11: Markell DeLoatch, Public Opinion)

For fearful animals, she recommends keeping them at home while visiting a show in the area. Vanderau also suggests making sure they are in a safe and secure spot in the house - like a crate or the bathroom - if there is a nearby show they can hear.

Giving a dog a treat or a Kong toy filled with peanut butter is another option to distract it during the commotion, and helps it begin to associate loud noises with something good. Thurdershirts can be a way to relax anxious dogs, because the coat creates a swaddling sensation.

However, Vanderau said all pet owners should avoid the kneejerk reaction to coddle a scared pup, as it can reinforce this behavior.

"They’re getting rewarded for shaking and twitching and get to cuddle with their human - there’s no reason why they would ever want to stop," she continued.

The most important thing, Vanderau said, is to continue daily routines the day of any fireworks.

"Animals pick up on our reactions, so if you’re stressed that your dog will be stressed out, then that could create the stress in your dog," she added. "And that’s a whole lot of stress that no one - two-legged or four-legged - ever needs."